12-Day Botswana Wildlife Photo Safari

Botswana offers a diverse array of wildlife habitats, flora and fauna and is undoubtedly one of the best places in Africa to undertake a wildlife photo safari. This 12-day Botswana wildlife photo safari is hosted by professional wildlife photographers Andy & Sarah Skinner. This tour date takes place during the peak of the dry season in Botswana, one of the best times in which to photograph the abundant wildlife as it concentrates around the remaining water sources. Andy and Sarah have a vast experience of visiting Botswana and have designed the itinerary to focus on some of Botswana finest and most prolific areas for game viewing. Which includes visiting Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park (Including Savute and the Chobe Riverfront) and the popular Khwai Concession area, where off-roading is still permitted.

All locations visited offer excellent photographic and wildlife viewing opportunities, and where the predators, including lion, leopard and wild dog are regularly seen. The abundance of wildlife is superb and the areas visited also present excellent opportunities to view huge herds of elephants and is a haven for other wildlife. Such as hippo, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, lechwe, kudu, the rare sable antelope and many other iconic African mammals, and of course a vast array of bird species. The list is endless! It is fair to say that Botswana is both a wildlife addicts and photographers dream. The combination of stunning wildlife and spectacular light provides endless photographic opportunities.

The itinerary is designed as such to ensure plenty of time in each area and providing an unhurried safari experience. In addition, focusing on providing a spacious photographic and game viewing experience. We welcome all levels of photographers on this popular photo tour.

A total of 18 extended games drives – providing ample wildlife viewing opportunities

Includes a river cruise to photograph the abundant bird and mammal life along the Chobe Riverfront

Only 4 guests in each vehicle – fitted with adjustable wooden platforms for camera bean bags

Fully serviced comfortable mobile camping with ensuite facilities

Private camping sites set in the heart of the wilderness

Our own private chef and a full team of support staff

Excellent host to guest ratio

Low single supplements

25% discount on lens hire (discount applies to UK based guests only)

Our Botswana wildlife photo safari will be characterised by maximising our time in the field with photographic tuition provided during all game drives and also back at camp. This will include tuition in both traditional and also creative photographic techniques. Such as high and low-key photography as well as panning techniques with slow shutter speeds and of course optimizing all light conditions to hand. Photographers of any level are all very welcome on this tour as well as keen wildlife enthusiasts. We work with a well-established local operator with whom we have partnered with for several years. Whom have highly rated local Botswanan registered field guides, together with friendly and efficient support staff and an excellent chef.

The itinerary is designed as such to ensure plenty of time in each area and providing an unhurried safari experience. In addition, focusing on providing a spacious photographic and game viewing experience. The accommodation featured is a mix of fully serviced comfortable mobile-tented camps, exclusive to our group with en-suite facilities and comfortable lodge based accommodation. These camps are positioned right in the heart of the national parks and reserves to maximise the potential of wildlife sightings and provide an unparalleled experience close to nature. This safari is perfect to anyone with an interest in experiencing Botswana’s magnificent wildlife at an unhurried pace. We welcome both photographers and non-photographers on the tour.

See our video below for just some of the wildlife sightings during our July 2018 photo safari

The Game Vehicles

With a maximum group size of 8 people we will use two game viewing vehicles, with open sides, and three rows in the back (tiered seating). With a covered roof to protect against the midday sun and a luggage storage area for your main hold luggage that is used on the days that we transit between camps.

Each vehicle has a large fridge in the main seating area that is always fully stocked with bottled water and cool drinks, as well as on-board charging facilities. The vehicle has adjustable wooden beanbag mounts on each side (not shown on image below) for use for guests who wish to use beanbags to stabilize their lenses. The area behind the driver/guide carries seating for a total of 8-people across three rows. However, on this photographic safari we will put no more than 4 guests in each vehicle. With your photographic host in the front and sitting next to a local qualified Botswana field guide who will expertly navigate the game tracks, river crossings and waterways along our routes.

October 20th 2019

You will be met at Maun Airport from your incoming flight and transferred to an idyllic lodge located just 20-minutes away and situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River. This charming lodge offers a lovely setting with beautiful views of the river and a vast array of water birds that inhabit this area. The accommodation provided is in spacious stone thatched chalets with comfortable bed complete with an en-suite shower and toilet. After check in you will have time to relax, unwind and rest at your leisure. In the evening, we will all join for our first group dinner (client own cost) and during which we will discuss the outline for days ahead. Overnight: Thamalakane River Lodge (Inc. breakfast)

October 21st-23rd 2019

After an early breakfast, we will meet our two field guides and load the two vehicles with our luggage. After which we will commence our journey into the heart of the beautiful Moremi Game Reserve. The journey to our first camp takes approximately 5-6 hours with game often spotted en–route. During our journey, we will take rest stops and we will enjoy a packed lunch as we enter the reserve. Arriving at our private camp in the reserve around mid-afternoon. After settling into the tents we take our first afternoon game drive, returning just after sundown. We will have two full days to explore this area of Moremi game reserve. Exploring the various pans and cruising along the edge of the delta with both morning and afternoon game drives. Overnight: 3 nights private mobile camp – Moremi Game Reserve (all inclusive)

October 24th – 26th 2019

After our last morning drive in Moremi we will take a coffee break in the bush before we start the journey toward our next camp where we will stay for the next 3-nights in the wonderful Khwai concession area. A drive of around 3-5 hours and game driving en-route and once again enjoying a bush lunch en-route. During our time in Khwai area we will enjoy game drives in the concession area. Here this beautiful area provides excellent opportunities for viewing wild dog, lion and leopard, as well as hippo and elephant and many other species. Overnight: 3-nights private mobile camp – Khwai Area (all inclusive)

October 27th – 29th 2019

After a morning drive in Khwai we will bid a farewell to the Khwai concession area and drive approximately 4-5 hours to the world famous Savute area, part of Chobe National Park. Taking lunch en- route during our journey. Savuti is a location made famous by many wildlife documentaries (recently featured in the NatGeo ‘Savage Kingdom) and an excellent area for viewing lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. With time permitting (depending on our arrival time at camp) we will take a short afternoon drive. Followed by two full days to explore this beautiful area where we hope to see the famous Savute pride where we will have the opportunity to photograph the famed and magnificent bull elephants that congregate at the waterholes. Here we are also able to take an optional short hike after one of our morning game drives to view the bushman paintings and visit the mighty baobabs in the area. Overnight: 3-nights private mobile camp – Savute (all inclusive)

October 30th 2019

Sadly, this morning we bid farewell to Savute and from where we will drive approx. 4-6 hours to the northern part of Chobe National Park to our lodge on the banks of the beautiful Chobe River. During our journey to the Chobe Safari Lodge we will take lunch and rest stops en-route. After check-in and a short break, we will take a 3- hour boat ride (at approximately 3pm) and continuing until sunset on the Chobe River. This section of the Chobe Riverfront provides fabulous opportunities to cruise alongside elephants, hippo and the abundant birdlife. In the evening, we will take our last dinner as a group. Overnight: Chobe Bush Lodge (room only basis)

October 31st 2019

The next morning guests are free to have a leisurely breakfast or if you wish a short morning game drive or boat ride can be arranged directly with the lodge at the activity centre (own expense) before you are then required to check out at 10:30am. The local town is just a short 5-minute stroll away if you wish to stock up on any gifts before departing. An airport transfer is included for those who are flying out on this day from Kasane to connect with your onward flight. Post-safari extensions to view the impressive Victoria Falls (that is only 1.5 hours away – Zimbabwe side) can easily be arranged.

Please Note: You will need to arrange your own international flights that will arrive into MAUN (MUB) for the start of the safari and flights that depart at the end of the safari from Kasane (BBK). Air Botswana and South African Airlink both serve these destinations with daily flights to/from Johannesburg.

Chobe Safari Lodge is situated a 5-minute walk from the town of Kasane and directly on the border of Chobe National Park. The lodge is located on the banks of the Chobe River and provides superb views of the river. The lodge features a large restaurant, bar area, swimming pool, spa, gift shop and an activities centre. This medium sized popular lodge offers a good standard of accommodation and consists of 68 spacious en-suite rooms. Featuring a balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, bath & shower facilities, writing desk and chairs, satellite television, safe and telephone. This lodge offers the perfect location on the river with just a 10-15-minute drive to Kasane Airport.

Thamalakane River Lodge, Maun, Botswana (1-night)

This delightful lodge is placed on the banks of the Thamalakane River, just 19kms from Maun. En-suite stone chalets are positioned in the shade of the riverine forest, overlooking the river. Chalets, public areas and the small swimming pool take advantage of the 180-degree view of the riverbanks lined with fluttering reeds visited by an ever-changing array of waterfowl, and birds and the occasional hippo. Babbler Chalet interiors are open plan and feature a partial stone wall in between the bedroom and bathroom area. The bathroom features a shower, hand-basin and toilet. Rooms are well ventilated and each room has a veranda with lovely views of the Thamalakane River and tea/coffee making facilities.

Full Serviced Private Mobile Camping: (9 nights)

Our accommodation for the mobile-tented portions of the safari will be in large 3.5 x 3m (11.5ft x 9.8ft) large ‘Meru style’ tents. Each tent comes complete with your own en-suite bathroom area with a seated and covered long drop toilet, plus a shower that is filled up with hot water upon your request. The en- suite area of your tent is accessed from within the inside of the tent with a large privacy screen around it and separate to your sleeping area. Single travellers that pay the single supplement will have their own tents. The tents have flaps on all sides to enable plenty of ventilation. You are provided with comfortable camping beds with proper mattresses and all bedding is provided. In addition, your tent features a small table and a lantern. In front of the tent you have a basin for washing your hands that is filled with clean water every morning and evening.

This private mobile safari includes our own private chef to cook wonderful food for you in the mobile camp kitchen and open fire. The day starts early with coffee, tea, yoghurt, cereal, porridge and toast. We then stop for a coffee break out in the bush during our morning game drives. Unless we are out all day lunch is served in camp and varies each day but commonly comprises of salad, pasta/or a meat dish and vegetables and freshly baked bread. Before the afternoon drive you will be offered coffee and tea with biscuits. The dinner served in the evening varies daily and provides a good balanced diet. A typical dinner is chicken, beef or pasta with gourmet sauce, fried rice, and steamed vegetables followed by a delicious desert, such as chocolate cake, cherry pudding or fruit salad. Special dietary requests, (including vegan/vegetarian/allergies) can be catered for where advance notification has been provided at the time of booking.

1-night at Chobe Safari Lodge (room only basis)

All breakfasts, lunch and dinners during mobile camping portion of safari (9 nights)

All game drives in game viewing vehicle limited to 4 guests per vehicle

2 x 2-3-hour river cruise excursions in Chobe National Park

All park entry and camping fees

Flying doctors emergency medical assistance with Okavango Air Rescue

All fuel for the duration of your safari

Airport transfers in Maun & Kasane

All activities as specified in the itinerary

Services of all local guides and photographic hosts (*please note for groups of 4 or less your tour will be accompanied by one photographic host)

Services of a back-up vehicle, chef and camp assistants during mobile camping portion

Not Included

International flights to/from Botswana

Meals and drinks at Chobe Safari Lodge (Kasane)

Lunch, dinner and drinks at Thamalakene River Lodge

Visas, Vaccinations & Travel insurance

Tips & Gratuities

Items of a personal nature

How to Book

To book on the Botswana Wildlife Photo Safari please contact us and secure your place with 25% deposit. The remaining balance is payable 12 weeks prior to departure. We are able to take payments for deposits and final balances via bank transfer or payment via credit or debit cards.

Financial protection

Images of Wildlife Photo Tours & Safaris is the trading name of Images of Wildlife Ltd. A company registered in England & Wales. Company No: 10566301. We are a member of Protected Travel Services (Membership Number: 5221).

As full members of Protected Travel Services we are able to offer the highest financial protection. All monies you pay to us are financially protected in line with the 1992 Package Travel Regulations via a trust account. This means that your funds are secure in an independent trust account and will be protected against our failure from the moment you pay to the day that you return from your trip. This includes protection for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to the trust account, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Images of Wildlife Ltd or any of our local suppliers paid from the trust account

To book a place on this safari please fill in the details below with detail of how many spaces you wish to secure. Once a member of our team receives the email we will provisionally hold your place/s while a booking pack is sent out by email with details of the deposit payment required.

A 25% deposit is required to secure your place. The remaining balance is payable 12 weeks prior to departure. We are able to take payments for deposits and final balances via bank transfer or payment via credit or debit cards.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Subject

Your Message
This form sends your name and email to us so that we can correspond with you in relation to your above request. This information is not shared with any third parties. Please check our privacy policy link on this page for more information.

Check the box below to accept our privacy policy before sending

Financial protection

Images of Wildlife Photo Tours & Safaris is the trading name of Images of Wildlife Ltd. A company registered in England & Wales. Company No: 10566301. We are a member of Protected Travel Services (Membership Number: 5221).

As full members of Protected Travel Services we are able to offer the highest financial protection. All monies you pay to us are financially protected in line with the 1992 Package Travel Regulations via a trust account. This means that your funds are secure in an independent trust account and will be protected against our failure from the moment you pay to the day that you return from your trip. This includes protection for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to the trust account, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Images of Wildlife Ltd or any of our local suppliers paid from the trust account

location

at a glance

20th -31st October 2019

12-Days/11-Nights

£3995 Per Person (approx. $5200)

Single Supplement £230

Mid-Range Lodges & Private Mobile Camps

Group Size: Max. 8 Guests

Sold Out

REQUEST A BROCHURE

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Subject

Your Message
This form sends your name and email to us so that we can correspond with you in relation to your above request. This information is not shared with any third parties. Please check our privacy policy link on this page for more information.

The Guides

We are a friendly husband and wife professional wildlife photography team and both self-confessed wildlife and nature addicts. With 14 years experience of photographing wild species in wildlife prolific destinations around the globe. We share the same passion of capturing the beauty of the natural world through our photography, that drives us to spend endless hours in the wilderness. You can read more about us both individually by clicking the link below.

We both have a broad and in-depth knowledge of wildlife species across Africa, Canada and India gained through our extensive time in the field. In addition to completing recognized guiding qualifications. We love nothing more than to share this knowledge and passion for nature and photography with our guests on safari.

Our work has been recognized in a number of renowned international photography competitions. Most recently (2017) Sarah was awarded the overall winner in the mammal’s category in the prestigious GDT European Wildlife Photographer of The Year Competition. In addition we are regular contributors to various international photographic magazine publications and our work has also been featured in several commercial book publications. You can read more about recent awards and publications by clicking the link below.

We have a wealth of experience in leading photo safaris to a large number of wildlife destinations. In addition, for the last three winter seasons we have also both worked in Sweden guiding guests to photograph the aurora borealis. We currently run photographic tours to Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, India and Canada. Our tours cater from beginners to advanced level photographers, that would like to develop their skills to the next level. With our photographic experience and subject knowledge this ensures we are well placed to provide guidance in the field and help our guests achieve their desired images. Click on the ‘Why Travel with us’ link below to find out more about our photographic tours & safaris.

Welcome! Our website uses cookies to give you the best possible experience, as it allows us to see how the site is used. The cookies cannot identify you. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with this. For further information about Cookies and how you can withdraw your consent, please read our Privacy and Cookie Policy